Baslow Environment Group

Caring about the environment in Baslow and beyond

Preserving our heritage and protecting our future

Welcome to the Baslow Environment Group!

We're a community group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural environment of Baslow, a beautiful village nestled within the Peak District National Park. Here in Derbyshire, close to Sheffield and Chesterfield, we share a deep love for this special place and recognise the importance of safeguarding its beauty.

We're all facing environmental challenges, and the Baslow Environment Group aims to tackle these issues across four key areas: Energy, Land, Transport, and Birds. Through advocacy, conservation efforts, and community engagement, we strive to ensure a sustainable future for Baslow and the wider area. Since forming in the autumn of 2023 we have made great progress, including forging a working relationship with the Chatsworth Estate.

Whether you call Baslow home or are simply drawn to its natural wonders, we invite you to join us. Explore our website to learn more about our initiatives, discover volunteer opportunities, and find out how you can contribute to protecting Baslow's environment.

In August 2024 we set-up a Community Benefit Society (Baslow Environment Projects Ltd, Reg No 9368) using the standard Co-operative rules, to enable us to raise and manage the funds necessary to progress our projects.

Baslow and Bubnell Bus Service Survey

Have Your Say

There is still time to complete the Baslow and Bubnell Bus Service Survey, if you have not done so already.

Latest News

We're making progress on all project areas.

St Annes churchyard planting

This year we have increased the biodiversity in St Anne’s old churchyard by introducing some native hedgerow shrubs, native wildflowers and also other perennial flowers that are great for pollinating insects. We hope that this more varied habitat will attract many more bees and other insects and a greater variety of bird life as well.

Environment Group volunteers have planted four areas with over 50 tree saplings (hazel, rowan, hawthorn and blackthorn), three beds of wild flowers and pollinating plants, and 170 lavender plants were planted along the churchyard wall.

Most of the saplings are progressing well. The plants have been flowering beautifully and attracting lots of bees and other insects. The lavender is along the roadside wall where it should get plenty of afternoon sun to help it thrive and produce a low hedge that the insects will love.

Thank you to the team for a great effort across the year. Our thanks go to the Better Derbyshire Dales Fund and the Woodland Trust for the funding and tree saplings to enable this to happen.

Wild flowers and pollinating plants in the graveyard at St Anne's Church in Baslow.

Volunteers planting wild flowers and pollinating plants in the graveyard at St Anne's Church in Baslow.

Birds

The first bird walk, led by Ian Johnston, took place on Saturday 10 May. All four target birds were spotted: pied flycatcher, redstart, garden warbler, and sand martin. There were over a dozen garden warblers singing. As an added bonus, a little egret landed in front of the group and 28 other species were seen making a total of 33. However, no swallows, swifts or house martins.

Energy

We've had the first stage report from the consultants which is very positive. It is technically feasible to get enough power for 60 homes from the weir (though it won't work like that).

So it seems like it's game-on, though it will be quite a long game.

Through our work, we:

Advocate for sustainable practices: We work with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to promote policies and practices that safeguard the area's environment.
Conserve precious habitats: We participate in conservation efforts to protect the area's diverse ecosystems, from its iconic limestone pavements to its vibrant wildflower meadows.
Educate and inspire: We raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire individuals to take action through educational programs, community events, and volunteering opportunities.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment. Whether you're a local resident, a frequent visitor, or simply someone who cares about the environment, we invite you to join us in our mission.

Moths in a Baslow Garden

Read Mike Holcombe's account of the range of species of moths found in his garden. The page contains the full list along with image, size and the plants they feed on.